New Delhi: The compensation given to poultry owners in states where culling is being undertaken as a precautionary measure against bird flu would be much higher than that in West Bengal where the outbreak has been reported.

"We have increased the compensation amount given per bird," Union Animal Husbandry Secretary Pradeep Kumar told reporters here. The amount for egg-laying chicken has been increased from Rs 40 to Rs 50,for broiler chicken from Rs 40 to Rs 30 and Rs 10 to Rs 20 for chicks.

The amount given for ducks has been increased to Rs 75 per bird and that for turkeys is now Rs 160 per bird. Earlier, all birds were fetching the same amount of compensation.

The enhanced compensation would, however, be paid only in neighbouring states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam and Orissa and not in West Bengal as the state government feels that it will be difficult to pay the compensation retrospectively due to the culling process being almost over in the state.

"The Finance Ministry has also said that the new amounts should be paid only from now on," Kumar said. Meanwhile, the secretary said that culling had begun in the neighbouring states of Assam and Bihar. While Jharkhand is identifying the high-risk areas where culling has to begin, Orissa is seeking permission from higher authorities for the operation, he said.

Only 28 birds died due to bird flu in West Bengal and a total mortality of 1,32,911 poultry has been reported so far.

Source : PTI